The first Compassionate City Awards scheme took place in Leeds in 2017. Its aim was to recognise the time, the effort and the dedication shown by volunteers (individuals and groups) throughout the city that like many other places could see its population facing up to enormous economic difficulties.
By 2023, the first year MBC was recognised, more than 200 organisations had stepped forward to become part of what by then had become the Warm Space Project. These including all Leeds City Council Community Hubs and Libraries, many faith-based groups and no end of supporters from both the private and the third sector.
The idea was simple: to offer opportunities for people to gather for free in a warm, safe, and welcoming space.
As you can see from the picture above, the trophy MBC shares is by custom a statue in the form of an owl. And we’ll be looking after him or her for the next three or four weeks before we need to pass it on to the next worthy winner.
To use the word “buzzing” to describe something that each and every week sees Beacon, our Warm Space, alive with laughter and conversation should perhaps be described as a contradiction in terms: yes, it’s one thing to say that alongside the Lord’s Pantry MBC is blessed to be in a position to offer anyone and everyone the most basic support. But it’s also sad, in fact it’s oh so sad to think that the need for us to provide such a service still exists.